Lead Poisoning Prevention Programs and Plans of New York State

Lead Poisoning Prevention Programs

Childhood Lead Poisoning Primary Prevention Program

There is no medical treatment that can undo the harm caused by lead. That's why it's important to take action before a child is harmed. This approach is called "primary prevention."

In 2007, New York State began a $3 million primary prevention pilot program to end childhood lead poisoning. Eight local health departments were given funds to find and correct lead hazards in homes where children could be at risk. Areas within Albany, Erie, Monroe, Onondaga, Oneida, Orange, and Westchester Counties and the City of New York were picked based on information that children with lead poisoning lived there. In Year 2 (2008-09), the funding increased to $4.9 million to include four more counties: Broome; Chautauqua; Dutchess; and Schenectady. In year three, which began October 1, 2009, the program evolved from a pilot to a permanent program. Funding for this program increased another $2.5 million to $7.4 million total, and the program will grow to include additional target communities, including up to five additional counties. The lessons learned from the first years of this program are being used to shape primary prevention activities across the state.

Lead Poisoning Prevention Programs in Local Health Departments

All local health departments are required to carry out activities to address lead poisoning prevention and follow-up. The New York State Department of Health supports the lead poisoning prevention activities of local health departments. The State provides funding, materials and other support to all counties and New York City. These local programs:

Find and reduce sources of lead before they can harm children;

Teach the public, health care providers, and others about lead;

Promote lead testing for children;

Help children with lead poisoning by making sure children get the testing, education, and treatment they need, and by helping families find the sources of lead in their home.